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Dec 21

Perceptions and Attitudes to Alcohol across Cultures

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management, Culture training for Human Resources, Culture training for the Public sector No Comments »

Pleasure, tradition or a sin? Relaxing, exhausting or stressful? How do you see alcohol?

The festive season is upon us, and with that often comes a variety of drinks and food products that contain alcohol. Attitudes towards alcohol can vary dramatically from one culture to another, making it difficult to know when it is appropriate to mention it, let alone drink it.

Showing the wrong attitude towards alcohol can make or break a relationship on both a social and professional level so it’s important to always know how alcohol is viewed wherever you are. Cross cultural training courses can provide you with key tips about when and how to consume alcohol, if at all, so that you avoid making any damaging cultural faux-pas when socialising or doing business across cultures.

Businessdinner2 i1 Perceptions and Attitudes to Alcohol across Cultures

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Cheers!

A recent article in the Financial Times looked at the role of vodka in Russian social and business culture. Seen as an essential part of relationship building, it can be easy to jeopardise a business venture in Russia by forgetting to bring vodka and the mixer to celebrate a deal. In Russia and other countries which have been influenced by Russian culture such as the Ukraine, people celebrate contracts and important milestones around a glass of vodka before they even leave the meeting room. People from these cultures will often expect foreigners to join them in toasting the success and enjoying what can at times be a large amount of alcohol.

In East Asian countries such as China, Japan and Thailand, drinking alcohol is engrained in the social life but only after work. For instance, people from Thailand often drink alcohol to celebrate important occasions. They will also enjoy a glass of wine or beer at dinner, but doing so at lunch can be considered unprofessional and bad-mannered.

When doing business in France it’s common to have an aperitif at the beginning of a professional meal to toast successful business, upcoming events or to health and life in general. It is also customary to drink wine throughout lunch or dinner in France, although they will usually consume less during the day.

The Gift of Alcohol

Gift-giving is often an important part of relationship building in many cultures so you may be expected to bring a gift at the start of a business venture or relationship. Some will expect a nice box of chocolates while others will appreciate a traditional or local product from your home country. Alcohol is sometimes perceived to be a very generous or appropriate gift but always check with someone from the host country before bringing it.

Here are a few ideas of how alcohol is or isn’t appreciated as a gift in cultures around the world.

  • In France, offering a good bottle of wine or old spirit is appreciated. Many companies will offer bottles of wines or good whiskey to their best clients for Christmas or other special occasions, and when visiting someone’s home it’s always a kind gesture to bring a nice bottle.
  • In Thailand, there used to be a well practised tradition of giving alcohol to blue collar workers while white collar workers would receive a basket with biscuits, tea, alcohol, juices and coffee. More recently however people tend to avoid giving alcohol generally and instead offer baskets of fresh fruit.
  • When doing business with Jewish counterparts in Israel or elsewhere be aware that some will avoid drinking alcohol at all as part of their religious beliefs. Always check with your colleagues whether it is appropriate. In some cases wine is acceptable but it’s a good idea to buy bottles in a kosher wine specialist shop.

Alcohol as an Offence

Although social drinking is accepted in many business environments around the world, some countries prohibit alcohol consumption. In most Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East, drinking or offering alcohol could deeply offend your counterparts. In some countries it is not only a question of respect but also a legal one. For example in Saudi Arabia or Iran anyone bringing in alcohol could be arrested and prosecuted.

For most Hindus, drinking or offering alcohol is usually perceived as disrespectful but this often depends on the generation of the individual and how much they follow the religious beliefs. When doing business in India and other countries with large populations of Hindus, you may therefore find mixed attitudes towards alcohol so it’s always best to check what is appropriate before drinking in public.

Some international companies can also encounter problems regarding products containing traces of alcohol in the ingredients. Boxes of chocolate which contain liquor or salad dressing with white wine vinegar may be forbidden in countries like Saudi Arabia where laws around alcohol are very strict.

International businesses relationships can be threatened or strengthened with alcohol, depending on how it is used. It’s not something that people tend to think about when working across cultures, but their success can depend on whether they show the right attitude and behaviour towards alcohol. Cross cultural training courses can help anyone working across cultures to understand how to avoid the risk that can come with not understanding local values and perceptions towards things like alcohol, whether a pleasure, tradition or sin.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Dec 05

Effective Global Leadership – Have You Got What It Takes?

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

In an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world, we are constantly challenged when interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Cultural differences can create significant misunderstandings and conflict that can negatively impact global business. However, cultural differences can also be a resource that can add enormous value to any global organisation. Effective global leadership requires a global mindset. In other words, effective global leaders have the ability to identify and successfully manage and harness cultural differences.

Businessman making Presentation i Effective Global Leadership – Have You Got What It Takes?

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Global leaders who demonstrate a strong global mindset will be better equipped to maximise cultural differences and perspectives which can lead to increased opportunities, value and innovation in their teams. As Jim Turley points out in a recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek about the ‘new global mindset’, “Developing an inclusive culture where all team members can successfully bring their perspectives to the table becomes essential. The research is clear: Well-managed, diverse teams will outperform homogenous teams.” Global leaders who thrive at creating and leading culturally diverse teams around the globe will find greater long-term success.

What is a ‘global mindset’?

A global mindset is what global leaders need to make the most of the cross-cultural diversity of both the company and of the global market where it does business. A global mindset involves three key characteristics: psychological, intellectual and social.

Someone with a global mindset will be passionate about diversity, enthusiastic about new adventures and capable of adapting in unfamiliar global environments. This motivation to try new things is helped by their existing intellect and knowledge of the cultures they are operating in as well as their interest and ability to constantly learn more about them.

Leaders with a global mindset have the ability to look at things from other perspectives and adapt their behaviour accordingly. This in turn helps them to effectively interact with culturally and linguistically different people through actively listening, showing them respect and empathy and building trust.

How do you develop a global mindset?

International exposure, internal mentoring programmes and cross cultural training courses like Effective Global Leadership all contribute to the development of a global mindset. Here are just a few ways you can develop a broader global mindset:

  • International exposure can be achieved through personal research on cultural subjects and world economic and political issues. Reading international newspapers, speaking to international counterparts and keeping updated about global issues can help you to better understand differences across cultures.
  • Short and long-term international travel can be a great way to develop a better understanding of the world. Keep your eyes open for new projects at work where you could get involved with colleagues or counterparts from other cultures. Organisations with a matrix structure or a wide global presence usually have plenty of opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration. Make sure the right people know you are interested in getting involved, either through formal or informal channels, and you never know what may come along.
  • Internal mentoring programmes are also a great way to get advice and tips for expanding your global mindset. Moreover, they provide you with the chance of meeting other leaders acting in a global environment who can share inspiring experiences that you can learn from.
  • A cross-cultural training course like Effective Global Leadership can also help you to develop the skills you need and build relationships with people in international roles. An Effective Global Leadership course gives you opportunities to develop your cultural knowledge and understanding to help you to face any cross-cultural challenge more effectively.

Stay ahead of the game and get involved at a more competitive level by working on developing your global mindset little by little. The combination of informal initiatives that take a few minutes a day with more formalised methods such as training or a mentoring programme can enable you to create a world of global opportunities!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Dec 01

Living and Working in the UK: Harnessing the Best of British Culture

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Every culture has a unique set of stereotypes that have been formed and reinforced throughout the years and the UK is no exception. Even in some of the most popular guides Britain and its population are presented in such a way that confirms what many consider as typical British peculiarities. Anyone living and working in the UK however should be aware that many of these cultural stereotypes are not always true in every situation.

Westminster Graeme Purdy i Living and Working in the UK: Harnessing the Best of British Culture

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The UK does not always have a very good reputation abroad. Brits are often seen as a mass of overweight people with a terrible sense of humour and the inability to cook good food. Some believe that Brits will never skip their sacred afternoon tea ritual which is usually followed by a simple dinner such as fish and chips or a greasy meat pie. Many think that these meals are usually eaten in local pubs, accompanied by a pint of beer, and followed by scenes of public drunkenness.  While many Brits enjoy having a cup of tea or evening meal out in the pub, the idea that they do these things every single day is indeed a cultural stereotype that has been built up over generations.

Some stereotypes and perceptions of Brits are more neutral and positive. For example Brits are well known for their British values of fair play and keeping calm in the face of adversity. These attitudes of honesty, equality and calmness are ever present in many British behaviours, but not more so than in the “art of queuing”. Brits are well known for their ability and need to queue, whatever the situation. In fact the need to respect and master this art of queueing is considered so important in British society that understanding how to queue properly has been included in the new citizenship tests immigrants have to take.

One book that looks closely at British behaviours is Watching the English: the Hidden Rules of English Behaviours by Kate Fox. In this anthropological study of the English population, Fox traces behavioural rules that seem to govern every aspect of English life. There are chapters about how Brits behave at work, in the pub, on the bus and at home. She also looks at how Brits talk, what they talk about, how they dress and many other social topics.

Through her research Fox identified what she calls a social “dis-ease” that governs every aspect of British behaviour. She argues that there is a constant awkwardness, embarassment and clumsiness that characterises any kind of British social interaction. Although Fox’s book might be perceived as an exaggeration and reinforcement of many British stereotypes, it can be an extremely useful resource for people who have never had much contact with Brits.

Whether or not you have had some contact with British culture, be aware of the many cultural idiosyncrasies and underlying values that will impact how your British counterparts think and behave. For example, when living and working in the UK, it can be very beneficial to understand British irony and humour which plays a big, although very implicit, role in communication that can often go unnoticed.

Knowing how to approach your British counterparts and build relationships with them will help you to ensure that you avoid any cultural faux-pas or wasted time. Reading books like that written by Kate Fox is one way of improving your understanding of British culture. This combined with a cross cultural training course such as Living and Working in the UK will help you to ensure that you effectively break down and interpret the many stereotypes that exist about British culture so that you react appropriately in any British context.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Nov 24

Thanksgiving Day

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Can you already smell roasted turkey with stuffing and pumpkin pie? Can you hear the noise of football matches? Yes, you’re right, it’s Thanksgiving. Every year on the fourth Thursday of November Americans gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. This tradition has been rooted in American culture for centuries, so if you are living and working in the USA or planning to do so, you should be aware of its importance and the impact it has on life and business in the USA.

Thanksgiving Christmas Dinner Sean Locke i Thanksgiving Day

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Where does Thanksgiving come from?

What is considered as the first Thanksgiving in American history took place in 1621 in Plymouth plantations, where Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a successful harvest feast. This was held to celebrate God and thank him for having guided the colonists safely to the New World. The celebration was then observed first as a religious tradition and, later, as a civil one. During the Civil War in 1863 Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday to be celebrated each November.

How is Thanksgiving celebrated?

Thanksgiving has now lost its original religious meaning for most American families. The focus of the celebration is now on spending quality time together and sharing a good meal. So what are the key ingredients of a good Thanksgiving meal? Turkey is the centrepiece of Thanksgiving and has become the main symbol of the holiday. It was probably not included in the first meal the Pilgrims shared with the Indians, but what is sure is that around 90% of Americans eat it on Thanksgiving. Either roasted, fried or baked, the turkey is usually accompanied by stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. In addition to cooking and eating which takes a large portion of the day, Americans like to gather together to watch football, participate in parades or volunteer. Many Americans will start their Christmas shopping on the day after Thanksgiving which is often referred to as Black Friday.

Thanksgiving Tips

If you are living and working in the USA, make sure you participate in Thanksgiving celebrations and make the most of this experience. Giving the right importance to this event is central for you to integrate into American society, build friendships and make the most of your stay. Here are some tips on how to do that:

  • Do not expect your American colleagues on Thanksgiving Day. Remember: it is a national holiday and offices are kept closed all day
  • Thank your colleagues for their hard work, collaboration or companionship with a Thanksgiving card or a simple note on the day
  • If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, accept with enthusiasm any food your guests offer to bring
  • If you are invited to dinner bring a gift and write a thank you note
  • Show an interest in American football games as these are often a big part of Thanksgiving celebrations
  • If invited to someone’s home, offer to help with the preparations. Thanksgiving is a family affair and almost everyone plays a role in getting it all ready, even guests

If you are planning to move to the USA or work with American counterparts you might want to improve your knowledge about American culture by attending a cultural awareness training programme like Living and Working in the USA. It will teach you more about American customs, traditions and values and help you develop the skills to build better relationships with your American colleagues.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Nov 03

Bonfire Night: An Essential British Experience for Anyone Living and Working in Great Britain

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Every year on 5 November people in Great Britain celebrate Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night. Anyone living and working in Great Britain should be aware of this tradition as it can be a great opportunity to experience local culture and socialise with friends and family. Understanding British customs and traditions can also help you to more effectively integrate into British society and establish better working relationships with your British counterparts.

Fireworks ludwig wagner i Bonfire Night: An Essential British Experience for Anyone Living and Working in Great Britain

© istockphoto.com/Ludwig Wagner

So what is Bonfire Night and how is it celebrated? Bonfire Night commemorates the events of 5 November 1605 which are sometimes also referred to as the Gunpowder Plot. The protagonist of these events was a man called Guy Fawkes who was part of a group of English Catholics who were unhappy with the protestant King. Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and a group of other Catholics started plotting the King’s assassination.

On the night of 5 November the conspirators attempted to kill the King by placing some explosives under the House of Lords. Their aim was to kill the King as well as many other members of the monarchy and government. One of the most active participants in this murder attempt was Guy Fawkes who was responsible for guarding the explosives in a cellar under the House of Lords. The plan was foiled and Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellar. After being tortured for several days, he confessed and was then executed.

On that same night in 1605 people set bonfires alight to celebrate the King’s survival. This tradition has been respected ever since and people all over Great Britain and in some Commonwealth nations like New Zealand and Australia celebrate this day with bonfires and fireworks. In addition to bonfires and fireworks, some will make “guys” – effigies of Guy Fawkes made out of old clothes and newspapers that will then be burnt in the bonfires.

Another tradition observed on this day is the State Opening of Parliament. Ever since these events of 1605, the King or Queen will traditionally only enter Parliament once a year on 5 November. Before the event, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are inspected by the Yeomen of the Guard to assure the monarch’s safety and commemorate and celebrate the historical event.

Being aware of traditions and customs like this can help anyone living and working in Great Britain to understand the culture. Attending a cross cultural training programme like Living and Working in Great Britain will provide you with all the information you need about British customs and traditions like Bonfire Night as well as other useful information on British social and business culture.

So if you are living and working in Great Britain be sure to take part in one of the events going on in London or other cities in Great Britain this weekend.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Oct 26

Diwali – The Festival of Lights

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. During this festival, houses are illuminated with a myriad of candles and small lamps called Diyas. The name Diwali is an abbreviation of the word Deepavali which literally means “row of lights”. Most people refer to this holiday in English as the “Festival of Lights”. Diwali usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November and lasts for five days. Anyone living and working in India or doing business with Indian counterparts should be aware of the importance of this holiday and how it impacts Indian culture and life each year.

Diwali Diyas© Kulpreet Photography i5 Diwali – The Festival of Lights

© istockphoto.com/Kulpreet

Celebrations of Diwali in India have ancient religious origins. Each of the five days of this festival celebrates a particular legend or story. The first day of Diwali, for example, is Dhanteras and usually marks the beginning of the financial year as it is believed to be a time for wealth and prosperity. On this first day of the festival people pray to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who people guide into their homes by lighting candles and diyas in their houses and on the streets.

Another legend commemorated during Diwali is about Rama and his wife Sita who he saved from the demon Ravana before returning to Ayodhya to become king. On their way back, Rama and his wife could not see as it was a very dark night, so people placed lamps outside their houses to help them find their way home.

Diwali is celebrated in different ways across India and other countries. For example people in Northern India tend to celebrate Rama’s legend while in Gujarat and Maharashtra they celebrate the Goddess Lakshmi more. In Nepal the festival focuses on the defeat of the demon king Narakaasura by Lord Krishna, while in Bengal they tend to focus on celebrating the Goddess Kali. Despite these differences, there are a few main ideas that remain the same everywhere: light triumphs over darkness, good supersedes evil and knowledge prevails over ignorance.

Before the start of Diwali festivals people redecorate their homes and draw traditional motifs of ‘rangoli’ at the entrances. They also wear new clothes and prepare big festive meals. People also decorate their houses lighting Diyas and big firework displays in celebration are a tradition.

During Diwali one of the most important rituals is the exchange of gifts to show love and affection to family members and friends. Even people who live far from their families usually send greetings and gifts to their beloved at home. Common gifts are flowers, sweets, dry fruit and nuts, clothes and silver or gold items such as jewellery or other decorative objects.

Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. Anyone living and working in India or other countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore should be aware of how Diwali impacts daily life in this period.

Here are some tips to help you show respect and work effectively with your Indian counterparts during this holiday.

  • Plan meetings without interfering with Diwali’s celebration. Be aware that a lot of business people will take the day off in preparation for a new accounting year and to spend time with their families.
  • Don’t set any project deadlines that coincide with Diwali.
  • If you work regularly with people who celebrate Diwali, you can show respect for their tradition and your relationship by giving them a small gift such as a box of sweets or nuts. If you cannot give them a gift, a small greeting by email would also be appreciated.
  • Indians tend to spend lots of money on the first day of Diwali buying presents and shopping in general, so if you are with them accept any generosity graciously.
  • Don’t say “no” to an invite to Diwali celebrations. This can be a great to way to build relationships with your colleagues and experience a unique cultural festival.
  • If invited to Diwali celebrations, or if sharing a meal with colleagues who celebrate Diwali, avoid drinking alcohol.

Cross cultural awareness training programmes like Living and Working in India or Doing Business in India can provide you with the essential knowledge you need about the country and its culture. By showing an understanding of key Indian traditions or holidays like Diwali, you can build more effective social and business relationships which will create more value in the long-term.

Don’t forget to send your colleagues a traditional Diwali greeting in the appropriate language!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Oct 03

Intercultural Management – Harnessing the Strength of Intercultural Teams

Cross Cultural Training, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

It is now common place to conduct projects involving culturally diverse teams, but international organisations sometimes fail to understand that working in an intercultural environment can create challenges that threaten the success of international projects. To avoid possible negative outcomes, managers leading intercultural teams need to be equipped with the relevant intercultural management skills, allowing them to avoid misunderstandings and clashes that may arise when working in an intercultural context.

Business meeting 8 track5 i Intercultural Management – Harnessing the Strength of Intercultural Teams

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The impact of culture on the workplace is usually widely underestimated. Our cultural values shape many key aspects of the way we work: our relationship with time, the way we interact with each other, how we deal with conflicts or what we expect from our manager. Individuals tend to consider their own preferences as “normal” and often see others’ preferences as strange or even irrational. This negative perception usually leads to frustration or incidents which ultimately harm the output and the effectiveness of the intercultural team.

Individuals lacking intercultural awareness often rely on stereotypes and generalisations to deal with different intercultural values. Stereotypes can often help people to understand and predict behaviours of intercultural counterparts, but too often they are inaccurate or even offensive. Stereotypes like “Italians are always late” or “Chinese are shy”, although sometimes true, can greatly hinder effective and long-term intercultural relationships.

Another common strategy people may use when managing intercultural teams is to minimise or deny the existence of cultural differences. Using concepts like “we are all the same” or “people just need to work or behave the way we do” can create severe misunderstandings or cultural clashes. Cultural values and behaviours cannot be dismissed so easily and must be recognised, correctly interpreted and then appropriately responded to.

Effective intercultural managers help the members of the team to understand their own culture and how it impacts their working style or preference. With an increased intercultural awareness and understanding, team members will be able to work more effectively with their intercultural colleagues. An intercultural management training course will equip intercultural managers with the skills and tools they need to develop and demonstrate a global mindset. This in turn will ensure that they effectively manage and harness the cultural differences within the team.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Sep 15

Working Effectively across Cultures: Understanding the Rules behind Intercultural Greetings

Cross Cultural Training, Culture 2 Comments »

Touching is arguably one of the most sensitive aspects of interacting, whether in a business or social context. When interactions take place with people from different cultural backgrounds, touching becomes even more difficult to grasp as the very perception of touching and the meaning behind physical contact can differ widely across cultures. Working effectively across cultures requires the ability to understand what kind of physical contact is appropriate and when in different contexts.

Business Woman shaking hands i Working Effectively across Cultures: Understanding the Rules behind Intercultural Greetings

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Simon Kuper, a British expatriate living in Paris recently shared several anecdotes of experiences he had visiting friends in the UK in an article published in the Financial Times. After living in Paris for some time, he and his wife grew accustomed to many French habits. When he returned to the UK he found that his British family and friends were surprised when he greeted them in the typical French way with a kiss on each cheek. Interested in this concept, Kuper also looked at how people greet each other in the US and discovered many differences when compared to French customs and behaviours around physical contact.

Based on his experience, Kuper suggests that the French tend to “sexualise” initial meetings between people even if no romance is involved between the participants. There is no such feeling when Brits or Americans greet each other. In fact, Brits and Americans appreciate having personal space and will tend to avoid touch as much as possible, except with close family or friends who they may greet with a small hug or kiss on the cheek. Anything beyond this may be perceived as an invasion of personal space and could cause offense or an unintended reaction.

This concept of personal space might be difficult to understand when working across cultures. A physical gesture which is considered appropriate in one culture might be frowned upon in another and vice-versa. Breaching someone’s personal space might cause uneasiness or misunderstanding that could lead to cross-cultural clashes or incidents.

From how you greet someone or console a team member to how you congratulate an acquaintance, it’s important to develop your understanding of how to communicate physically to avoid any cultural faux-pas or cultural misinterpretation when working across cultures. A Working Effectively across Cultures programme is a great first step towards understanding how you are perceived and how you need to adapt your behaviours in a global context so that you have the right impact.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Aug 26

The Intercultural Challenges of Expatriations: A Look at the Difficulties Partners Face

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation No Comments »

A recent article in the New York Times highlighted how expatriations can be hindered by how well partners integrate to the new culture. As the number of expatriates around the world increases, the number of partners who fail to successfully adapt to the new culture multiplies. Many partners lack the appropriate spouse and family training and support and are therefore often unprepared for their relocation. Difficulties finding a job abroad, creating new networks and adapting to life in the new country as a result can add a lot of pressure on the employee and their relationship with their partner, thereby jeopardising the whole expatriation.

Family looking at globe Константин Чагин i The Intercultural Challenges of Expatriations: A Look at the Difficulties Partners Face

© istockphoto.com/Константин Чагин)

Tell me about yourself

One of the first barriers that partners face is in finding a job which is a very important and often stressful step for the partner. Using a new language, creating a CV and cover letter and applying for roles in unfamiliar companies can be source of anxiety. Statistics show it is now increasingly complex for partners to find jobs successfully in the target culture. In 2006 the number of partners who were able to find a job in the new country decreased by about 10%. The lack of employment opportunities for partners can sometimes create anxiety about the expatriation which can put immense pressure on the success of the assignment.

Building a new web

Moving to a new culture means leaving behind a network of friends, family and co-workers. Without this support network, partners can sometimes feel alone in the new environment and struggle to create a new group of friends and contacts. Meeting new people and being able to socialise are both essential to the partner’s enjoyment and success of the expatriation as they can provide the support they require to manage culture shock and the adaptation process.

When in Rome…

Another factor that can hinder the success of expatriations is how well partners adapt to life in the new country and the many new cultural values and traditions. A lack of cultural awareness and understanding can lead to many misunderstandings and often culture shock which can have long-lasting effects if not anticipated and managed effectively. Spouse and family training and support can provide partners with the knowledge, skills and support they need to settle into life in the new country quickly and find success for the duration of the expatriation.

These challenges and others often leave partners and families feeling less motivated to go an expatriation. This in turn impacts the level of interest employees will show in international roles. As a result, many companies are finding it difficult to find employees who are not only qualified but also interested in going on an expatriation.

Showing employees that they and their family will receive partner and family training and support can encourage more interest in international roles. By providing expats with the appropriate training they will also be better prepared for the adjustment they will have to go through and they will be more likely to stay for the duration of the assignment. Reducing the chances of an early return can help companies increase their ROI on expatriations while it can also improve the family’s enjoyment of the whole experience.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Aug 10

Time at Work: Business Reality Contradicts Popular Cultural Stereotypes

Cross Cultural Training, Culture 1 Comment »

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently published a study about how much time people dedicate to work in different countries around the world. The initial survey was conducted across the 26 OECD member countries as well as China, India and South Africa. The survey required people from the ages of 15 to 64 to describe what they did on a typical day. The results of the survey are very interesting, particularly as they tend to contradict the many stereotypes that exist about how much time people spend doing business in other cultures.

Business People biffspandex 2 i Time at Work: Business Reality Contradicts Popular Cultural Stereotypes

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Indeed, the cliché of a lazy Mexican, tired from the sun and sleeping in a hammock appears to be absolutely wrong as the study shows that Mexicans actually work the hardest. They work the longest days, are less paid compared to western countries, and also spend a lot of time doing chores at home. The image that Mexicans often portray through their more laid back cultural values and focus on relationships and family is deeply engrained in people’s minds as a culture which does not work very hard.

This is just one popular cultural stereotype that was proven wrong by the OECD study. Considering how many stereotypes can be misconstrued or false, it’s important to always look deeper than what you find on the surface to make sure that the assumption or judgement you have about a particular culture is accurate. Doing business in another culture can be hindered through inaccurate stereotypes or generalisations.

For instance the idea that French never work, often supported by coverage of the’35-hour work week’, is countered by the statistics that show that the French appear to be some of the most productive employees in the world. Some incorrectly believe that countries in Eastern Europe take the most holidays when they actually take fewer days than most of the developed countries in the European Union. In fact Germany not only has a high number of holidays, but its workforce spends the least amount of time working in the OECD.

Many cultural stereotypes are even more questionable as opinions tend to vary widely depending on whether the people are working in their home country or living in another as immigrants. For example, Mexicans in the US are seen as very hard workers who often work long hours and do harsh jobs, an image far from that we illustrated earlier.

By creating and supporting stereotypes that contradict real facts, people can risk making bad decisions based on false assumptions that could harm their business significantly. It’s important therefore to always question cultural stereotypes and check how accurate they may be. It is possible to use cultural stereotypes to your advantage as they can help you to simplify situations and anticipate behaviour across cultures, however if you are wrong you may find yourself facing drastic circumstances.

If you are doing business in another culture or if you are working with international counterparts, don’t get caught up believing what you hear as a false cultural stereotype can forever alter your relationship and success with them. The best way to completely understand the cultures you are doing business in is to participate in a cross-cultural awareness training programme. By providing you with detailed information about beliefs, values and behaviours you will find in the target culture, training will better equip you to break down stereotypes and build stronger business relationships based on cross-cultural trust.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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